Quote:
Originally Posted by John Mulcahy
Paddy
the large coronet approx. 18.8mm wide, 33.4mm high SPN 2648 sealed Oct 13 1890 was for the collar badge pair.
It was later authorized (the coronet only) for use on the FSC in place of the RA Grenade (WO 359/6/34&35).
The Smaller Coronet approx 11.5 x 26.5mm made its appearance in SPN 4475 sealed 12/01/1897. This being the first regimental pattern FSC & FSH badge (this grenade had the eagle on the ball).
SPN 4475A sealed 02/03/1903 for the Brodrick (K&K 639) I think continued the use of this smaller coronet but the grenade got much larger to accomodate the Harp & Plumes device. In other words I think K&K are correct but am not fully certain. I think this because the smaller coronet was sealed for the FSC before this pattern was introduced and was again used after this pattern was abandoned
This commentry from 61002/Infy/763 28/5/1902 [WO359 vol 12 p 58] refers.
With reference to the adoption of the “Harp & Plume” as the mount for the badge of the new pattern forage cap for wear by officers of the Royal Irish Fusiliers and to inform you that steps are being taken in the matter, but it is feared that some little difficulty will be experienced in placing the mount on the present sized grenade of the pugaree badge which may result in a slight enlargement of the grenade. It is intended that the badge shall answer for both pugaree and forage cap. A further communication will be sent in due course .
The change to SPN 4475B sealed 18/07/1906 "cemented" the smaller pattern coronet for use with forage cap badges (the grenade getting smaller that the Brodrick pattern)
Thus to sum up(in my opinion) large Coronet mainly used in the collar badge pair, used for a while in the FSC. Possibly used for the Brodrick (need to check) and as Tony points out used a version of it on the pipers badge.
Small Coronet used on first regimental pattern FSC and on the (peaked) Forage cap badges from c. 1906 on.
I can post images later to help if necessary.
John
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Superb information as always John. I do hope you will publish something on Irish Regimental badges one day. You are the right man to do it.